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http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/sound-shapes-muramasa-and-more-get-psn-ultimate-editions/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/sound-shapes-muramasa-and-more-get-psn-ultimate-editions/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
If you're looking to catch up on some of the PlayStation Network's best releases to date, a gaggle of new digital Ultimate Editions have launched this week, offering DLC-bundled versions of Sound Shapes, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, and Batman: Arkham Origins.

Other newly-collected Ultimate Editions include Dead Island: Riptide, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Toukiden: Age of Demons. Sony is also hosting a sale this week on many previously-released Ultimate Editions, including Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Saints Row 4, and Resident Evil 6.

PlayStation Plus members get an additional discount on top of listed price drops. Sale prices remain in effect through October 20.

PlayStation Blog
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batman-arkham-originsdead-island-riptidemuramasa-the-demon-bladeplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnsound-shapesthe-amazing-spider-man-2toukiden-the-age-of-demonsultimate-editionvitaWed, 15 Oct 2014 13:30:00 -040011|20978636http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/16/muramasa-rebirth-cursed-with-third-dlc-chapter-is-pretty-sickle/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/16/muramasa-rebirth-cursed-with-third-dlc-chapter-is-pretty-sickle/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/16/muramasa-rebirth-cursed-with-third-dlc-chapter-is-pretty-sickle/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
The third piece of story DLC for Muramasa Rebirth is now available to download for $4.99. Titled "A Spirited Seven Nights' Haunting," the chapter stars the ninja Arashimaru, who is on a quest to survive after receiving a curse that limits his life to seven days. Armed with a sickle and kunai, players can tackle both new and old enemies as Arashimaru and also summon the snake-like spirit threatening to kill him in order to overwhelm enemies.

The Genroku Legends series of four downloadable episodes for Muramasa Rebirth was announced in November and features new characters and stories with each entry. The first chapter, "Fishy Tales of the Nekomata" arrived in January followed by the second episode, "A Cause to Daikon For," in February. Muramasa Rebirth launched in June 2013 as the Vita port of Vanillaware's original Wii game, Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The game is free for PlayStation Plus subscribers to download this month.

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a-spirited-seven-nights-hauntingAksys-GameschapterDLCdownloadable-contentepisodegenroku-legendsmuramasa-rebirthMuramasa-the-demon-bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavitaWed, 16 Jul 2014 12:30:00 -040011|20932075http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/25/ps-plus-in-july-towerfall-muramasa-dead-space-3/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/25/ps-plus-in-july-towerfall-muramasa-dead-space-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/25/ps-plus-in-july-towerfall-muramasa-dead-space-3/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
July is soon to arrive, and with it comes six games for PlayStation Plus subscribers to freely download. Falling in line with the program's rule changes introduced in late May, the six games are split evenly among PS4, PS3 and Vita, though some are Cross Buy-compatible. Leading the group on PS4 is Towerfall: Ascension and Strider, followed by Dead Space 3 and Vessel for PS3.

The two Vita games going free this coming month are Doki-Doki Universe and Muramasa Rebirth. The former is Cross Buy-enabled, so PS4 and PS3 owners will also have access to the game, whereas Muramasa will only be available for free in North America. European PS Plussers will instead receive Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes. Heavy discounts for the six games will available as of July 1, so those that haven't picked up June's free games should do so this week before it's too late.

YouTube (North America), (Europe)
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dead-space-3doki-doki-universefreelego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmuramasa-rebirthMuramasa-the-demon-bladeplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps-plusps3ps4strider-2014towerfall-ascensionvesselvitaWed, 25 Jun 2014 21:30:00 -040011|20920104http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/30/joystiqs-four-in-february-is-upon-us-behold-our-staff-picks/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/30/joystiqs-four-in-february-is-upon-us-behold-our-staff-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/30/joystiqs-four-in-february-is-upon-us-behold-our-staff-picks/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
February is a forbidding land, full of winter darkness and noisome Valentine's Day traditions that are only slightly balanced out by a steady trickle of new games. That's why Joystiq's very own Mike Suszek created Four in February, a gaming event to unify the world against the month's doldrums. Here's how it works: Pick four games to finish in February and then try to finish them. That's it. No crazy rules, no limits on what you play. Just choose four games and take them on with gusto. That's the 4iF way.

The best part of 4iF is how we all get to share the struggle, though. We want you to go to the 4iF Facebook community page and tell us everything. Show us pics of what games you're playing, tell us why you're playing them, let us know when you're streaming them, and most importantly, proclaim your victories or failures. Meanwhile, over on Joystiq's Facebook page, we'll be running 4iF giveaways every four days throughout the month starting Tuesday, Feb. 4. On Twitter, we'll be tracking the action to those who shout @joystiq using the hashtag #4iF. This is war on our gaming libraries, and this is our solid battle plan.
​
What's the staff playing? Read on.

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4iFAlan-Wakebrothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsdont-starvefour-in-februarygone-homehalo-4monkey-island-2-special-edition-lechucks-revengeMuramasa-the-Demon-Bladep13risk-of-rainSilent-Hill-Shattered-MemoriesSpec-Ops-the-LineSpirit-TrackstearawayThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Spirit-Tracksthe-stanley-parableThu, 30 Jan 2014 13:30:00 -050011|20813690http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/muramasa-rebirth-spawns-first-fishy-genroku-legends-dlc/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/muramasa-rebirth-spawns-first-fishy-genroku-legends-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/muramasa-rebirth-spawns-first-fishy-genroku-legends-dlc/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Aksys Games launched the first of the Genroku Legends DLC for Muramasa Rebirth this week on PSN, and on January 22 in Europe. Announced in November 2013, the Fishy Tales of the Nekomata downloadable episode puts players in control of a girl named Okoi, who is possessed by Miike, a nekomata. Okoi avenges the death of her brother using her cat-like claws and demon powers to summon "hordes of cat allies" to battle alongside her. Basically, it's cat DLC.

Fishy Tales of the Nekomata is the first of four Genroku Legends episodes coming this year to Muramasa Rebirth, each starring a different character. This week's episode has two endings and a slew of new bosses for players to paw at. Muramasa Rebirth launched in June 2013 as a PS Vita port of the original Vanillaware-developed Wii game, Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The Fishy Tales of the Nekomata DLC is priced at $4.99 on PSN.

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add-onCatsDLCepisodesfishy-tales-of-the-nekomatagenroku-legendsmuramasa-rebirthMuramasa-the-demon-bladeokoiplaystationplaystation-vitaPSNvitaWed, 15 Jan 2014 19:30:00 -050011|20808791http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/16/psa-muramasa-rebirth-invades-europe/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/16/psa-muramasa-rebirth-invades-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/16/psa-muramasa-rebirth-invades-europe/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Following a March release in Japan and a June release in North America, Aksys Games has announced that Muramasa Rebirth is now available to European Vita owners via PlayStation Network download.

As its name suggests, Muramasa Rebirth is an enhanced re-release of 2009's Wii-exclusive Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The original game was widely praised - JC awarded it a 5/5 score and described the game alternately as "beautiful" and a "great action game" - but the Vita remake adds a host of new features including improved graphics and customizable controls designed with Sony's handheld in mind.

Aksys has also used this release to remind players to keep an eye out for four upcoming DLC packs for Muramasa Rebirth, though the publisher offers no word on when they might appear. On arrival, these additions should expand the game by a sizable margin as each pack will introduce a new playable character as well as new areas to explore.

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aksyseuropeGeorge-Kamitanimuramasa-rebirthMuramasa-the-demon-bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavanillawarevitaWed, 16 Oct 2013 21:45:00 -040011|20747192http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/23/muramasa-rebirth-landing-in-europe-this-fall/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/23/muramasa-rebirth-landing-in-europe-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/23/muramasa-rebirth-landing-in-europe-this-fall/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsMuramasa Rebirth will launch this fall in Europe, Aksys Games recently announced. The PlayStation Vita port of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, which first launched in 2009 for Wii, retains the side-scrolling action drawn to life by Vanillaware, the creators of Odin Sphere and Dragon's Crown.

Aksys noted that four additional downloadable characters and scenarios will be available for the game, though the DLC has yet to launch in any region, let alone Europe.

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Aksys-Gameseuropemuramasa-rebirthMuramasa-the-demon-bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavanillawarevitaFri, 23 Aug 2013 01:30:00 -040011|20701706http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/muramasa-rebirth-finds-new-life-on-ps-vita-early-summer/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/muramasa-rebirth-finds-new-life-on-ps-vita-early-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/muramasa-rebirth-finds-new-life-on-ps-vita-early-summer/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsDuring a GDC demo of Muramasa Rebirth, the PS Vita port of Vanillaware's 2D action game Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Aksys PR coordinator Russell Iriye confirmed with Joystiq that the game is currently penciled in for "early summer."

"We have not talked about a release date yet. Right now all we're saying is early summer. Within the next couple weeks we should be announcing that," Iriye said.

Aksys will also offer a pre-order bonus for early Muramasa Rebirth commitment, plus a limited edition. The standard edition will run $39.99, while the limited edition will cost $59.99. Iriye couldn't reveal any of the contents in the limited edition yet.

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aksysAksys-Gamesgdc-2013Muramasa-the-Demon-Bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavanillawarevitaThu, 28 Mar 2013 15:30:00 -040011|20522202http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/aksys-publishing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-for-vita-in-north-ame/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/aksys-publishing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-for-vita-in-north-ame/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/aksys-publishing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-for-vita-in-north-ame/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsThe Vita version of Wii action game Muramasa: The Demon Blade will be published in North America by Aksys, Siliconera reports. Based on the 2009 game by Vanillaware, Muramasa Rebirth will have downloadable content adding new storylines and four new characters. The original followed amnesiac ninja Kisuke and possessed princess Momohime, traveling through an Edo-era Japan full of spirits and mythological monsters.

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aksys-gamesMuramasa-the-Demon-Bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavitaTue, 29 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -050011|20442364http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/muramasa-the-demon-blade-on-vita-will-offer-original-dlc/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/muramasa-the-demon-blade-on-vita-will-offer-original-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/muramasa-the-demon-blade-on-vita-will-offer-original-dlc/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade for PS Vita won't just be a port of the 2009 Wii game, although that would be enough. Early information from Famitsu magazine reveals that the Vita release will get new downloadable content, consisting entirely of original material. According to Yoshifumi Hashimoto, Chief Creative Officer of publisher Marvelous AQL, the DLC will star a new hero.

If you missed Muramasa back on Wii, it's a side-scrolling action RPG set in a Genroku-era Japan full of demons, ghosts, and spirits. Being a Vanillaware game, it features incredible 2D artwork. You probably shouldn't miss it the second time around, is what we're saying.

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dlcMuramasa-the-Demon-Bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavitaWed, 26 Sep 2012 20:30:00 -040011|20334061http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/muramasa-the-demon-blade-takes-a-stab-at-ps-vita/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/muramasa-the-demon-blade-takes-a-stab-at-ps-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/muramasa-the-demon-blade-takes-a-stab-at-ps-vita/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsVanillaware's Wii action game, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, is being ported to the PS Vita. The new edition will be available on March 28, 2013 and be further bolstered by DLC, Sony said during its TGS 2012 press conference.

The PS Vita port has only been confirmed for Japan so far, but we expect plenty of people are interested in revisiting or becoming acquainted with this overlooked gem.

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Muramasa-the-Demon-Bladeplaystationplaystation-vitatgs-2012vanillawarevitaWed, 19 Sep 2012 01:18:00 -040011|20327161http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/rumor-odin-sphere-and-muramasa-hd-remakes-coming-to-xbla-psn/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
According to "sources in Japan" speaking with 1UP, two of Vanillaware's already gorgeous 2D titles, Muramasa: The Demon Blade (pictured) and Odin Sphere, are being remade in HD. The report also posits that the re-releases will likely arrive on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

Additionally, both games are nowlisted by Australia's OFLC as "multiplatform," though each has only been released on a single console to date (Odin Sphere on PS2 and Muramasa on Wii). The evidence may be mounting, but we're still filing these HD ports in the rumor department for now.

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microsoftMuramasa-the-Demon-Bladeodin-sphereplaystationps3psnvanillawarexblaxboxFri, 17 Sep 2010 14:30:00 -040011|19638282http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsMuramasa: The Demon BladeMuramasa appealed to me in a way that Odin Sphere didn't, thanks to an emphasis on combo-heavy sword action instead of planting and whatever. And the RPG elements that are left, like the sword upgrades and cooking, are not only fun, but simple enough that I can get right back into the game after a long break and still know what is going on.

Also, I don't mean to be shallow, but the fact that Muramasa is the most beautiful game of 2009 helps me be positive about it.

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5th-cellbest-of-the-rest-2009bit-trip-beatcanabaltcapybarademons-soulsDSGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-Warsignition-entertainmentindies-zeromight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesmuramasa-the-demon-bladenamco-bandainew-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendoNintendo-SPD-Group-No.1phantasy-star-zeroretro-game-challengeRhythmrhythm-heavenscribblenautssegaspace-invaders-extreme-2the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksubisoftvanillawareWiixseedFri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 -050011|19296414http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Bladepublisher Ignition revealed to Gamer Investments a rough estimate of the NPD sales total for its Wii sidescroller, describing the game's September performance as "in the ball park of 35K," with a margin of "15-20%."

It might sound low to us, but marketing director Melody Frieda said that the total was "in line with expectations and we're happy with how it's performing to date." She said that positive reviews should help keep sales up through the holidays. The company sees even better potential for the title in the long term: according to Frieda, Ignition is "quite confident that Muramasa will be a revered cult classic like its sister property Odin Sphere," which went on to be released under the PS2's "Greatest Hits" line.

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ignitionignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendonpdvanillawareWiiFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -040011|19207368http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsUpdate: Contest is closed! Keep an eye on your email to see if you won! Thanks for playing!

If you didn't take our word on how awesome this game is, then here's your chance to check it out first-hand. One lucky reader will not only receive a copy of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, but we've also got a small collection of poster art for the game. It's a one-two punch of free gaming goodness. Best of luck!

Leave a comment telling us which of the game's main characters you prefer: Kisuke or Momohime

You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)

Limit 1 entry per person per day

This entry period ends at 3:00PM ET on Thursday, October 1

At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Muramasa: The Demon Blade ($50 ARV) and a collection of art cells ($15 ARV)

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ignitionjoyswagmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareFri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -040011|19169980http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/review-muramasa-the-demon-blade/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsI was honestly a bit worried about being able to review Muramasa: The Demon Blade objectively, because this game was, from the outset, completely up my alley. Making a fully 2D sidescrolling action game with lots of combo-based swordfighting and a Japanese mythological setting is like titling the game JC Will Buy This, as there is no component of that game description for which I am not a sucker.

What keeps me honest? Professionalism the other side of that coin -- if the game worked I may be more likely than most to love it, sure, but if there was anything wrong with it, my disappointment would come out pretty harshly. Luckily, I don't have to worry about my personal biases getting in the way, as I'm quite certain this is a great action game.

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actionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiMon, 14 Sep 2009 19:01:00 -040011|19159933http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/check-out-more-of-murmasas-lovely-gameplay-in-this-new-trailer/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade's US release is so anticipated around Joystiq HQ, our staff can constantly be spotted exchanging fist-pumps whenever it's mentioned. Today, a new gameplay trailer has found its way online, showcasing more of the game's beautiful action. Hopefully, when it hits stores Stateside on September 8, it will live up to our lofty expectations. If not, the only arm movement we'll be making is when we throw elbows during our daily "abuse the intern" training exercises.

Ignition has released two new trailers for the always lovely Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The first features the game's bosses, a collection of mythical monsters who can withstand thousands of rapid-fire slashes from Kisuke and Momohime. We've seen many of them, but we weren't familiar with that giant centipede thing.

If you enjoy that particular boss as much as we do, be sure to watch the other trailer after the break, originally posted at UGO. Not only does it feature more of that boss, acting both as opponent and surface, it features a one thousand hit combo on that boss.

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actionignitionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -040011|19141555http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Some new Muramasa: The Demon Blade media has been released. This time around, it focuses on Momohime, one of the game's main characters. She's "a princess possessed by a dark spirit and on a quest to recover the cursed demon swords," and each blade she collects gives her different abilities.

But none of that matters, really. What does matter is that she can slice and dice baddies with the best of them and, as we've come to expect from Muramasa, she looks great doing it. Watch the new trailer above and then soak up some new screens and artwork below.

One more thing, we can finally pin a date on Muramasa. Expect it to hit North American shelves September 8.

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ignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 -040011|19128875http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ignition-opens-sharp-muramasa-the-demon-blade-site/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsIgnition opened the official North American Muramasa: The Demon Bladewebsite today, confrming two important facts for us:

Ignition is still planning to release the game this year (we need constant reassurance that not every game is being pushed to 2010)

The art is still bangin'.

In fact, the website allows you to take some of that art for your very own in the form of desktop wallpapers. You can also check out screenshots, video, and character profiles while you're there, and offer Ignition your own Muramasa art in a fan art contest.

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actionignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareTue, 11 Aug 2009 19:15:00 -040011|19126304http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsVanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade is quite beautiful on the Wii, but would such a work be possible in HD? Vanillaware founder and president George Kamitani told Gamasutra that he thinks so. "Well, the original art we draw is all done in double-size -- in the case of Muramasa, the animation frames then get compressed down to the Wii's native resolution," he told Gamasutra. "As a result, producing a fully HD title would not be a great deal of extra work for us; it would just mean our original art is displayed in higher resolution." This is very similar to what WayForward's Voldi Way told us about 2D development in HD.

Despite the relative ease of transitioning to HD, Kamitani said there was no plan to re-release Muramasa as an XBLA game (or to re-release it anywhere else), but that the company is "in the experimental stage" of high-definition development.

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2dignitionjouji-kamitanimuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -040011|19118836http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
The latest trailer for Muramasa: The Demon Blade is designed to show off the high-flying, combo-ridden swordplay found in Vanillaware's action game. Your sword is in motion at almost all times during this game, as you float around, juggling enemy after enemy. It is a little bit overwhelming at first, in a Marvel vs. Capcom sort of way.

But then, when you get the hang of it, grimacing wheels, single-file lines of monks, gigantic samurai, and even transparent horses won't be able to stop you. At least, we think. We didn't really graduate past the "panicked button-mashing" technique at E3.

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actionignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 -040011|19114807http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
There's no better way to fully appreciate the wonderful artistic style and furious action of Muramasa: The Demon Blade than to see it in motion. And, thankfully, that's just what we got for you right now. Above, you'll find a near-minute of fabulous Muramasa gameplay footage for your eyes to drool over, and if you're wondering what all of the fuss is about, you really should be keeping up.

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ignitionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladeThu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:00 -040011|19085575http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/muramasa-the-gamestop-preorder-bonus/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/muramasa-the-gamestop-preorder-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/muramasa-the-gamestop-preorder-bonus/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsClick to Marvelous-sizeWe didn't dare think it could happen, but when we saw the pre-order bonus for Japanese copies of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, we secretly wished for Ignition (well, XSEED at the time) to bring something half as awesome to us here. The bonus is a five-foot-long scroll featuring a series of amazing pieces of character art from the game.

GameStop has just revealed the North American pre-order bonus, and it's exactly that! We couldn't be more thrilled. Well, we could be more thrilled if two things happened:

We confirmed that the back of the scroll had the same enemy and stage artwork as the Japanese version

We found out that GameStop's September 1 release date (a Tuesday!) was the real release date for the game.

We've contacted Ignition about those two points. In the meantime, we can all enjoy the prospect of getting a really nice-looking free thing by buying another thing.